Alexandria Travel Forum

I am traveling to Egypt soon on short holiday trip and will be landing in Alex at Bourg Al Arab airport. I have few questions. I will be grateful if fellow Vters may help me out:

(1) What is the best way to get from airport to the Corniche area? Are there any metered taxis that I could hire from airport? How much will I have to pay in local currency for this trip from Bourg Al Arab airport to downtown?

(2) I heard of a papyrus-making institute in Alex. How far is it from Corniche area? I will like to go there so suggest me the mode of transportation and fare to pay.

(3) Can any one recommend me any good gym near Regency Hotel in corniche street where I can pay them for gym use on daily basis?

(4) How far is train station as I wanna take Turbo train to Cairo. How to get there? I will be staying at Regency hotel in Corniche street. How much will be appox fare in local currency from my hotel to train station?

(5) Can I get turbo train ticket on same day before I wanna travel or should I buy it a day advance?

(6) Till what time is ticketing office open in train station to buy 1st class turbo train ticket to Cairo? How much is the fare?

(7) Any good spots for clubbing that you could suggest? Especially near Corniche street.

(8) Any good Italian and Lebanese good restaurants and coffee shops in Corniche area?

(9) Could you suggest me any good money changers in corniche street area who offer good rates for US dollars?

Sorry for so many questions but your input will greatly help me in planning this trip. Thanks for your time!

Wow!! Lots of Questions!!!

1) Fast call cabs, National phone number: 19559. This is the only metered cab company in Alex. The ride in this car should be about 120 Egyptian Pounds. Cars are new and drivers speak English.
Other ordinary taxis may charge more or less depending on your bargaining skills.

2)Never heard of it - maybe someone else has.

3)Not sure - have heard of the Regency, but can't remember which area it's in. You may want to think about using one of the Big Hotels gyms - Have only heard of Golds Gym which is a bit of a way out.

4)Depending on the area of the hotel - it should cost you about 5LE, unless the hotel is really far out. It definitely should cost you no more than 10 LE.

5) Turbo train ticket may be available on the day - but if you really want to travel and on that train it may be easier to get it the day before.

6)Ticket office is open until quite late - Been a while since I last went on that train - but I think a one way cost between 25 - 30 LE. But I really can't be sure of the cost.

7) If you find one, have yet to see a decent club in Alex - seems to be more Meat-Market joints and not dancing joints!!

8) There are a few - but more away from the corniche like Chez Gaby - mostly coffee houses on the corniche with a restaurant everynow and then.

9) Money changers are all over the place - don't think there are all that many on the corniche though - but if you go to Mansheya, Salah Salem Street - there are loads of banks and exchange offices.

Thank you so much for taking time out to answer all of my questions in detail, much appreciated.

(1) Does Fast Call Cabs have any office at Bourg Al Arab airpot? I will be arriving after 12 and half hours long flight so want airport pickup planned instead of bargaining with taxi drivers.

(2) I hope there will be bank / money changer at the airport where i may convert currency to Egyptian Pounds. Are the conversion rates fine there?

Thanks again and best wishes.

When do you arrive in Egypt? I ask this only so I can contact people to help answer your questions to the best of my ability.~

Loads of thanks folks for helping me out.

Zanzooni: I am arriving in Alex on morning of 6th Dec at Borg Al Arab airport. I will be in Cairo 7th-9th Dec. Plan to get back to Alex on 9th Dec afternoon/eve to catch up flight back home from same airport in Alex on 10th Dec afternoon.

Regards n Best wihes for all. Cheers